Mrs. Pretzel, SeattleAge and Occupation: 32 Learning, Training, and Development SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 28 Manufacturing EngineerEngagement Date: September 2, 2009Wedding Date: July 2010Venue: Catholic Church & The Engine Room at Georgetown StudiosAbout Me: I’m just a thirty-something girl who never dreamed of weddings, poofy dresses, or ritzy receptions. I am a rabid knitter, except recently, wedding projects have replaced my yarn and needles. I’ve been fiercely independent since the age of 2 and 30 years later I think my family and friends had given up on me settling down and getting married.
Ironically, I had to go all the way to Seattle to find a boy from Purdue. We fell in love over Seattle Beers and cooking together. I love NASCAR, he loves Legos. I can talk like a Muppet and he can fit a whole McDonald’s cheeseburger in his mouth. We are a two reception couple, currently planning a brewery inspired bash.
After receiving communion we were almost finished. One element that Mr P and I wanted to include in our wedding was presentation of flowers to the Holy Family. This tradition is an added element, not part of the normal Wedding Mass. Traditionally the couple will bring the bride’s bouquet or a smaller special bouquet and lay it at the feet of a Statue of Mary. Mr P and I chose to honor the Holy Family because we see the love of Mary and Joseph as a wonderful example of living God’s love.
*All photos are by Amore Studios unless otherwise noted.
As we left our seats and made our way across the church, Jeannette sang a beautiful rendition of Ave Maria.
Mrs. Hyena, College Station, TXAge and Occupation: 23, Marketing SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Aerospace Engineering Grad StudentEngagement Date: January 8, 2010Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Downtown 202About Me: I'm a Texas girl who met my future hubby in high school, then headed up to Oklahoma for a college education (BOOMER SOONER!) before moving back to the Lone Star State to be with him. I love reading and recycling, Photoshop and reality TV, making lame jokes and then laughing at them, quoting movies, and Mr. Hyena most of all. I'm perpetually early and I like to get things accomplished. When my cat meows at me, I meow back. We're planning a laid-back, unintentionally DIY wedding with a cocktail-party vibe, and can't wait to celebrate our nuptials with our nearest and dearest!
Mrs. Pony, Bloomington, ILAge and Occupation: 25, AttorneyFiance's Age and Occupation: 34, AttorneyEngagement Date: March 22, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard; Bloomington Center for the Performing ArtsAbout Me: I found my Southern counterpart in law school and since he popped the question last March, we have been busy graduating, job searching, bar taking, and wedding planning. My loves include must see TV, magnets, quotes, anything green, my car, fun socks, the Cubs, and my Mr. Together we love wine, playing outside, and exploring the world together. Stay tuned to see our Midwest wedding full of Southern charm, vintage flair, lots of DIY details, and a whole lot o’ wine.
After hastily deciding we had. to. have. succulents. for our wedding, Mr. Pony and I decided to start investing in our own plants as soon as possible. The great thing about succulents is that one plant can sprout several baby plants, which then grow up and sprout their own baby plants, and so on. Our thinking was that if we invested in several plants in the summer of 2010, we would have more than enough plants to use for decoration, favors, or whatever else by the time our wedding rolls around in September 2011.
As luck would have it, we came across a guy selling healthy succulents for cheap at a garage sale. (I love garage sales.) We scooped up every plant he had for sale, excited for our great deal and future in horticulture.
High on our first succulent purchase, we also purchased a pot full of succulents from our local we-sell-everything-under-the-sun superstore. The plants were drowning in water (despite the sign on the plant that said “do not water”—sigh), so we went home and immediately replanted them in well-draining rock, sand, and soil.
Garage-sale plants on top, mega-store brand on bottom
Mrs. Magic, Chapel Hill, NCAge and Occupation: 30, Licensed Clinical Social WorkerFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, ResearcherEngagement Date: December 1, 2009Wedding Date: October 2011Venue: Barn at ValhallaAbout Me: I’m a tall drink of water (5’10”!) and a Southern bride with an enormous appetite for Mexican food, good deals, anything French, and all things wedding! By day I am lucky enough to work with individuals with autism and their families. By night, I’m even luckier to be able to spend time hanging out with awesome friends, crafting, shopping, thinking about exercising, and kicking it with Mr. Magic and our two cats. I tend to have sudden, intense cravings that will not be denied (seafood enchiladas! new jeans!) and I’m prone to being a disorganized mess of anxiety and stress. After waiting (and waiting!) to get engaged, I am finally planning the colorful, fun, fabulously awesome Fall wedding of our dreams. In an effort to share the fun and craziness that is wedding planning, I’m gonna blog about it for y’all---the good, the bad, and the pretty!
Being engaged for a long time has its pluses and minuses. The pluses are that we I have more time to plan, more time to gather inspiration, and more time to save money. The minuses are that I have more time to plan and change my mind, more time to gather inspiration that is different (better?) than the inspiration of last week, and more time to spend money.
It’s six in one hand and a half dozen in the other. Or, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Or… well, I’m sure there is some saying that actually works well here, but really, a long engagement is both a blessing and a curse.
My original inspiration board was nixed by Mr. M for being a bit too country, and looking back I don’t know what the hell I was thinking. Hay bale furniture is cute, but not really us.
Mrs. Tartlet, Rochester, MIAge and Occupation: Age & Occupation: 27, Post-Doctoral Research FellowFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Medical StudentEngagement Date: May 2, 2009Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: The Royal Park HotelAbout Me: I'm an exuberant gal from the Midwest with a penchant for Neuroscience and anything sparkly. I'm not afraid to poke fun at myself, and I'm a believer that given the right pair of shoes, a girl can conquer the world. While an interest in the sciences threw Mr. Tartlet and me together (again, and again, until it finally stuck), we share a love for many things---food, video games, car dancing, food, bad puns, travel, did I mention food?---that ultimately led us to where we are now, less than five months from becoming Mr. and Mrs. We're planning a laid-back, romantic, garden-inspired affair with organic and quirky touches that reflect our love for the unexpected!
“Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear.”
-John Lennon
Hello my lovelies! I’m thrilled to be back here with all of you as a married woman! I can honestly say that our wedding was everything we wanted it to be and so, so much more. I’m still riding the high from the outpouring of love and support that we experienced, and every time I close my eyes and think about the day I can’t help but smile. There was laughter and happy tears in abundance, an adorable red wagon (that I even got to sit in for a bit), an impromptu horah, a gentleman in a kilt, and the wave even made an appearance to spice up our meal time. We left feeling like everyone had been brought closer together, which was our dream come true. Needless to say, I have so many stories to share with you! So as not to leave you totally hanging while we take Europe by storm and await our pro pics, here’s a couple more teasers courtesy of our adored photographer:
Mrs. Balloons, Aspen, COAge and Occupation: 24, Mass Communications graduate, Web Design student, & winery workerFiance's Age and Occupation: 26, EngineerEngagement Date: July 10, 2009Wedding Date: August 2011Venue: The Sundeck at The Little NellAbout Me: I'm a small-town Midwest girl planning an intimate mountaintop destination wedding complete with a huge DIY at-home reception. As an honors graduate fallen victim to the worst job market in history in my area, we're doing everything we can to still have the wedding of our dreams on a tighter budget. I currently enjoy working at a winery, but I'm lonnng overdue for a day job! I am: a big-time daydreamer, one of the pickiest eaters you'll ever meet, and a lover of pretty paper and awesome fonts. I'm a girly girl who loves to get dolled up, but also a country girl who loves to get muddy and go 4-wheeler riding. I also enjoy singing in the car, boating, going to concerts, the History Channel, carnival food, and going to watch St. Louis Cardinals baseball with my handsome engineer.
Mr. Balloons and I narrowed it down and decided who we’d like to join us in Colorado on our big day. These are the “Will you be my bridesmaid?” cards that I sent my girls:
Mrs. Funnel Cake, Zürich, Switzerland/Columbus, OhioAge and Occupation: 24, Visual Communication DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 28, Application EngineerEngagement Date: May 30, 2010Wedding Date: October 2011Venue: Catholic church followed by a botanical conservatoryAbout Me: I'm an American designer who moved to Switzerland for love after a fairytale beginning at the top of the Eiffel Tower. I love travel, photography, museums, learning German so I can speak with my mother-in-law, cooking (eating), cuddling, and I'm not afraid to try something new even if it terrifies me. My Swiss/Brazilian man and I are both down to earth people planning a traditional Catholic wedding in my hometown with some quirky cultural exceptions to reflect our different backgrounds. We look forward to celebrating with friends and family from all over the world in a classic, sophisticated fusion of heritage and love.
Ladies, I have finally made the plunge. My first Etsy purchase! (Can you tell I’m excited??) OK, it’s not even really a purchase yet, but I have put down a deposit on a custom order for my jewellery. After spending some weeks poring over pictures of glittery earrings, I have finally chosen (a few) items I will buy.
Mrs. High Wire, DallasAge and Occupation: 23, Legal AssistantFiance's Age and Occupation: 25, Director of CommunicationsEngagement Date: October 9, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Clark GardensAbout Me: My loves include yoga, anything spicy, our eccentric cat, our rambunctious dog, and Mr. High Wire, of course! Like the steadiness act of the tightrope walker, this gal is busy balancing life while planning a wedding to the man of her dreams. We’re hosting a laid-back, vintage-inspired, bird themed wedding with heavy doses of love, good eats (did someone say tacos and margaritas?), and endless Texas charm. Mr. High Wire and I are so happy to have you along for the walk across the tight rope.
When it comes to engagement rings, some girls are in the “I want to be completely surprised” camp, and that is absolutely fine. Mr. High Wire and I, however, decided to approach this endeavor together.
One note before we get started: Of course I would have loved anything he proposed with, and the ring is merely a gesture behind the ever more important part—spending the rest of our lives together.
But romance aside, logically speaking this was the largest expense either of us had anything to do with in our entire lives so far, besides maybe a car, so we wanted to make sure we did our research and got exactly what worked for us.
Mrs. Lox, BaltimoreAge and Occupation: 33, Government WorkerFiance's Age and Occupation: 35. IT ConsultantEngagement Date: May 8, 2010Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Vandiver InnAbout Me: I’m an East Coast gal born and bred and a suburban brat turned city rat for the last year. Now Mr. Lox and I enjoy walking all kinds of places, having the coolest things around in our backyard, and especially our garage parking. I love gadgets, toys, Ben & Jerry’s Chubby Hubby ice cream, monkeys, and our insane cats. I’m a blonde by birth and a redhead by choice. I’m that girl in the cubicle farm with all the cool toys and the file cabinet covered in magnetic poetry. I still use smiley faces in my emails, whether people like it or not. This is not the first rodeo for Mr. Lox nor me. And together, we are planning an intimate afternoon wedding on a budget we can afford by ourselves.
Well, it’s about that time. And I find myself completely at a loss for words. You all, every one of you, have been nothing short of amazing and our wedding… that little thing that’s happening TODAY… is better because I know you.
You have given me ideas, cheered me on when I faltered, and given me courage when I was fresh out. This wedding that’s about to happen is something more than it was when I started planning. And that’s because of you.
So in just a moment here, I’m going to sign off and go enjoy this one day I’ve been leading up to for the past year. I’m going to let people take care of me. I’m going to try to live up to my zen bride ideal. I’m going to try to take it all in. And I know, at least once or twice today, I will stop and think of how I simply can’t wait to tell you what just happened. Read more…
Weddingbee GalleryFeature Launched: April 10, 2009About: A collection of inspirational wedding pictures from readers and bees.
Keep on loading your inspirational wedding pics to the Weddingbee Gallery to see them featured here on the blog! Remember, your images must be under 1MB in size, or they won’t load.
Ms. Sloth, PhiladelphiaAge and Occupation: 35, Account Manager and Fashion BloggerFiance's Age and Occupation: 30, Design AdminEngagement Date: December 25, 2009Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Bartram's GardenAbout Me: I'm an internet junkie and music snob with a good eye for a bargain. I couldn't live without thrift store shopping, cheeseburgers, sushi, Coke Zero, websites devoted to silly photos of baby animals, Photoshop, and Mr. Sloth. Speaking of which, he and I are a pair of goofball homebody nerds who love our beagle (the most ridiculously adorable dog EVER) to an embarrassing degree. We're planning a low-key and intimate yet festive and quirky outdoor wedding with DIY details and deeply personal touches, and it's all taking place in the city where we fell in love and call home: Philadelphia.
I recently told you how I’m not very good at flowery language or sentimental speak, and truer words were never spoken, boy. So I don’t have anything that profound to say, but allow me to ramble a bit.
Today, I will marry my best friend in front of the people we love. We’ve spent a year and a half on the venue, the food, the music, the dress, the details. I’ve spent the past few days being bummed about the rainy forecast. But what matters the most is the people. As I sit here in my hotel room, drinking my mimosa and waiting for my wedding-day entourage to arrive, I’m so thankful for Mr. S, our families and our friends that I feel like I may burst. Read more…
Mrs. Giraffe, ChicagoAge and Occupation: 23, Graphic DesignerFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Music Student TeacherEngagement Date: October 23, 2008Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Trinity Lutheran Church & Idlewild Country ClubAbout Me: Coming from the suburbs of the Windy City, you'll often find me with my foot in my mouth while laughing for no reason or telling bad knock knock jokes. I've been crafty for as long as I can remember, and will DIY something twice over before I have someone do it for me. I'm a semi-awkward, typeface obsessed, design junkie and have been know to break out my dance moves for no reason as well as try my best to be ridiculous at all times. My love of pop culture, wordplay, and graph paper almost rivals my love of Mr. Giraffe (who is just the bee's knees). After a 2.5 year engagement, we're planning a modern-in-disguise traditional wedding, and cannot wait!
The forecast is calling for rain, rain, rain, and thunderstorms..but I am ready.
I just had a crazy last two days and a wonderful rehearsal dinner with way too much chocolate cake. This last month has been such a wedding planning super storm that I haven’t been around much. No worries, though, I have a ton more to share with you, a little more about Dadzilla and some DIY projects that happened to work their way in here some where.
I haven’t blogged about the honeymoon, but I’ll just let you know that by 10:35 tomorrow morning, Mr. Giraffe and I will be in Cancun, on our way to a sunny beach. I have a whole week ahead of me there .
Thank you for the support over the last 8 months and staying with me during some crazy projects. You, hive, are awesome, and I’m so honored I got to share my journey with you. Read more…
Mrs. Hyena, College Station, TXAge and Occupation: 23, Marketing SpecialistFiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Aerospace Engineering Grad StudentEngagement Date: January 8, 2010Wedding Date: May 2011Venue: Downtown 202About Me: I'm a Texas girl who met my future hubby in high school, then headed up to Oklahoma for a college education (BOOMER SOONER!) before moving back to the Lone Star State to be with him. I love reading and recycling, Photoshop and reality TV, making lame jokes and then laughing at them, quoting movies, and Mr. Hyena most of all. I'm perpetually early and I like to get things accomplished. When my cat meows at me, I meow back. We're planning a laid-back, unintentionally DIY wedding with a cocktail-party vibe, and can't wait to celebrate our nuptials with our nearest and dearest!
We talked about not having a DOC, and instead having family take care of the vital pre-wedding tasks. To be honest, I’d been waffling about this decision. In theory, having family take care of everything could have worked, if not for one little issue: we had no one to meet and direct the vendors when they arrive at Downtown 202 after the family leaves to get ready for the wedding.
I talked to Mom Hyena and FMIL Hyena, and turns out we all kind of felt like we needed one of these:
image via IMDB / The Wedding Planner / Columbia Pictures
Mrs. Pony, Bloomington, ILAge and Occupation: 25, AttorneyFiance's Age and Occupation: 34, AttorneyEngagement Date: March 22, 2010Wedding Date: September 2011Venue: Mackinaw Valley Vineyard; Bloomington Center for the Performing ArtsAbout Me: I found my Southern counterpart in law school and since he popped the question last March, we have been busy graduating, job searching, bar taking, and wedding planning. My loves include must see TV, magnets, quotes, anything green, my car, fun socks, the Cubs, and my Mr. Together we love wine, playing outside, and exploring the world together. Stay tuned to see our Midwest wedding full of Southern charm, vintage flair, lots of DIY details, and a whole lot o’ wine.
The lack of vegetation around here lately has me coveting all things green, leafy, and full of petals. One of my favorite plants used abundantly at weddings is the succulent. If you can believe it, I had never heard of succulents before seeing them splashed all over wedding blogs. But once I saw these lush, green plants I was smitten. I love that succulents are low-maintenance plants that are earth-friendly decoration.
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
